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If there is one thing the Colorado Rockies do very well year in and year out, it’s the ability to put runs on the scoreboard. Not only do they do so with consistency, they are without questions one of baseball’s best. That statement alone should peak Fantasy Baseball GMs interests.
The Rockies’ outfield is a primary reason for a plethora of runs the Colorado offensive juggernaut produces day in and day out, as it should be; just look at the traditional names next to the seven, eight and nine position on the Rockies’ lineup cards – Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler and Michael Cuddyer respectfully.
In the offseason, Rockies management dealt Fowler to the Houston Astros for a tub of Big League Chew and a lifetime supply of sunflower seeds (forgive the sarcasm), leaving a giant void not only in center field, but also atop the Rockies’ batting lineup.
Now, what if I told you that the player the Rockies anointed to the lead off position of an explosive offense, Charlie Blackmon, is currently owned in less than 10 percent of Yahoo Fantasy Baseball leagues? Do I have your attention? Let me continue. What if I told you that in Blackmon’s first five games with the Rockies, he is batting north of .550 including three doubles, one long ball and six RBIs?
Blackmon has not only shown he can represent Fowler in the Rockies outfield, he has shown that he can do so while contributing extensively to the offense in the lead off role.
Now, before you trip over yourself on the way to your league waiver wire, there is what the legendary Paul Harvey called the rest of the story. Blackmon is a part of an outfield platoon in Colorado, for now. However, one could easily speculate that the platoon is less about a season long Rockies strategy, and more an attempt to find their permanent center fielder based on performance. Leading up to Opening Day, the Rockies’ vacant center field position was a hot topic of debate. If the latter is the situation, Blackmon is currently overpowering platoon mate Corey Dickerson.
Obviously the second caveat to consider, the lofty numbers will not continue for a 162 game schedule, but consistent production is something that you can count on. In 2013, injuries to Rockies starters made Blackmon a regular on the Rockies’ lineup card. In that role down the stretch, Blackmon was arguably one of Colorado’s best at the plate, sporting a .350 plus average in August and September.
The bottom line, Blackmon is the productive lead off hitter for an explosive offense that plays its home games in Colorado. I pause as you ponder that sentence.
He’s certainly worth Week 1 waiver wire consideration.
Jim Heath is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_heath, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
